Select Board Votes to Join Microgrid Initiative

Select Board · Meeting of May 14, 2026

Bolton Select Board voted 2-0 to join a five-town microgrid energy consortium that backers say could cut electricity costs and generate new town revenue. Gina Ash of NextGen Energy told the board the Keep Lights on Massachusetts initiative would build a 10-megawatt solar and battery "Hero Hub" in Bolton, projecting savings of up to 50 percent and $1.2 million to $1.5 million a year in revenue once operating. The non-binding memorandum of understanding carries no immediate cost; Bolton's maximum exposure would be $37,500 for a feasibility study if a pending $5 million state grant falls through.

The board, with Brian Boyle absent, also appointed Chris Rogers as building commissioner effective June 1, hired Eric A. Kinscherf CPA, LLC as temporary town accountant, and approved a video surveillance policy and a Town Building Task Force charge, each by 2-0 votes.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Bolton's community access TV: Select Board meeting, May 14, 2026
• The complete report: 1,102 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of May 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.